Hawkes has high hopes after Flemington win

Thaad ridden by Dwayne Dunn wins the Bay and Ranges Region Handicap at Flemington Racecourse on June 24, 2017 in Flemington, Australia. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

Hawkes Racing has always held Thaad in high esteem and he didn’t let the stable down at Flemington, notching up a come-from-behind win.

Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said the stable hoped the three-year-old might be capable of winning a good race during the spring after his victory in the Bay And Ranges Region Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.

Ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Thaad ($19) scored by a long-head from What A Shock ($21), with Atlantic Express ($26) a half-length away in third.

Hawkes revealed the stable had considered sending Thaad to Brisbane for the Queensland Derby.

“He went by the wayside a bit and we had to change tack with him,” Hawkes said.

“He’s been a bit hot and cold but maybe if he can put a few together he might be back here in the spring.

“I’m not saying in the big one but we might be able to find a nice race for him.”

Hawkes said Thaad only arrived from their Sydney stable on Friday morning.

He said the gelding was a thinker and the change of scenery had switched him on.

But Hawkes admitted he had concerns at the half-way point.

“It wasn’t pretty at the half-mile as they hadn’t gone hard early and he was over-racing,” Hawkes said.

“What won him the race was Dwayne didn’t panic.”

The win of Thaad completed a double for Dunn after he won the opening race aboard Royal Symphony.

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